Press Release: Joint Statement EU-US Energy Council – EU, US promote alternative projects, following South Stream failure

The sixth EU-US Energy Council met on 3 December 2014 in Brussels, chaired by EU's Vice Presidents Federica Mogherini and Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete and US Secretary of State John Kerry.

The Council discussed energy-related consequences of the Ukrainian crisis and condemned Russia’s use of energy supplies as a political tool. It promoted the need for diversification of energy sources and encouraged countries to seek for ways of implementing that principle. It also reinforced that the cancellation of the South Stream project would not make the European Union more vulnerable to shortages caused by Russia cutting off gas to the Ukraine.

EurActiv reported that Mrs Mogherini pushed for an energy chapter to be opened in the ongoing TTIP negotiations with the US.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: EU-US Energy Council – Joint Press Statement http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-eu-us-energy-council-joint-press-statement/

ESO: Background information: Putin says will not build South Stream gas pipeline http://www.europeansources.info/record/putin-says-will-not-build-south-stream-gas-pipeline/

ESO: Background information: EU dependent on Russian gas for 'foreseeable future', warns IEA http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-dependent-on-russian-gas-for-foreseeable-future-warns-iea/

EurActiv, 04.12.14: EU, US promote alternative projects, following South Stream failure http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/eu-us-promote-alternative-projects-following-south-stream-failure-310569

EurActiv, 04.12.14: Mogherini pushes Kerry for energy chapter in TTIP http://www.euractiv.com/sections/trade-society/mogherini-pushes-kerry-energy-chapter-ttip-310585

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